Washington, DC – The following is a statement from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) President & CEO Mark Parkinson after today’s vote by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommending that Congress provide no update in the coming year for skilled nursing facility care.

“Throughout last year and today, we’ve had positive, ongoing discussions with MedPAC, particularly regarding our rehospitalization measures that will benefit patients and providers alike.

“AHCA is encouraged by MedPAC’s discussion of future rehospitalization policy. We were especially pleased MedPAC acknowledged AHCA’s proposals to reduce rehospitalizations.

“We do not support rebasing. Moving forward, however, Congress can and should seriously consider the multiple changes that have already been made in the payment process in recent years. These adjustments have unquestionably impacted our sector. Our centers are still adjusting, and will need more time before we can understand what these changes will mean to our overall economic health in the coming years.

“We’ll continue to work with the Commission, the Congress, and CMS in the coming months to ensure policymakers understand these multiple moving parts before adding any further fundamental changes to our payment structure.”

As the nation’s largest association of long term and post-acute care providers, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) advocates for quality care and services for frail, elderly and disabled Americans. Compassionate and caring employees provide essential care to one million individuals in our 11,000 not-for-profit and proprietary member facilities.